On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his demand for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as the U.S. and Iran continue their discussions for a potential nuclear deal.
The two countries have held three rounds of indirect talks, facilitated by Oman, focused on reaching an agreement that would prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons while easing harsh U.S. sanctions. Oman has stated that the goal is to create a deal that would leave Iran “completely free” from nuclear weapons and sanctions, while still allowing it to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. Netanyahu, however, insisted that the only acceptable agreement would be one that eliminates Iran’s entire nuclear infrastructure, similar to the 2003 deal Libya made with the West, where it abandoned its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile programs.
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have repeatedly vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and Israel has not dismissed the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear sites, despite President Donald Trump’s reluctance to support such an operation, according to sources.
Netanyahu also emphasized that any nuclear deal should address Iran’s ballistic missile program, which Tehran has identified as a major sticking point in the talks. Iran has previously attacked Israel with drones, missiles, and cruise missiles following Israeli strikes that killed Iranian officials.
Netanyahu stated, “We are in close contact with the United States, but I made it clear, one way or another, Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”
